Byron E. Hukee

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Byron E. Hukee, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 19 March 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Hukee flew in support of an extremely hazardous and complex search and rescue mission that was attempting to recover two American crewmembers located in one of the most heavily defended segments of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in southern Laos. In spite of the unprecedented volume of hostile ground fire directed at his slow-moving aircraft, Lieutenant Hukee continued to attack the lethal anti-aircraft emplacements until they fell silent and his actions were instrumental in the successful recovery of both crewmembers. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hukee has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Byron E. Hukee, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed hostile force in Southeast Asia on 20 and 21 June 1972. During this period, Lieutenant Hukee flew in support of an extremely hazardous and complex search and rescue effort for two downed American crewmembers located near the heavily defended Ashau Valley in South Vietnam. In spite of the continuous ground fire directed at his slow-moving A-1 Skyraider, Lieutenant Hukee located one survivor, marked nearby gun emplacements for supporting aircraft strikes, and directed and coordinated the vulnerable rescue helicopter for the eventual successful recovery of the downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hukee has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.